Searching for the right pharmacy school?
Belmont University's PharmD program equips you with the skills needed for a thriving career in pharmacy.
Real world preparation is one of our biggest priorities. This is why we offer simulations and collaborative environments that promote cross-practice learning and a team approach to patient care—exactly like you’ll see on the job. Our dedicated, expert faculty bring their real-life expertise and passion to prepare students for real-world practice—while cultivating a Christ-centered community of learning and service.
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Study Pharmacy in the Nation's Health Care Capital
Location is everything. As the nation's health care capital, Nashville boasts a $92 million health care industry, more than 500 health care companies, and many major health care facilities. Our hometown offers a wealth of clinical and professional opportunities to students pursuing a pharmacy degree.
As part of Belmont’s College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, pharmacy students also benefit from interprofessional collaboration in our Center for Interprofessional Engagement & Simulation. Here, you’ll train alongside other health care students in state-of-the-art labs and simulation centers designed to mimic real-world clinical environments. This immersive, hands-on approach ensures that graduates enter the workforce with confidence, experience, and the ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary health care teams—making Belmont the ideal place to launch your career in pharmacy.
Start your journey with us and prepare for the rewarding career you've always wanted.
School of Pharmacy
By the Numbers
Program Details
Beyond the required courses, which can be seen in the University Catalog, you'll take 30 credit hours of electives to build upon the foundation of pharmacy coursework with at least 18 credit hours in your selected concentration.
View PharmD Curriculum and Course Descriptions in the Belmont University Catalog.
New Integrated Curriculum
Curricular Vision and Philosophy
The Belmont University PharmD curriculum is designed to prepare graduates to provide exceptional patient care, be leaders in the profession of pharmacy, work collaboratively with other health professions, and serve humanity. Additionally, the curriculum will prepare the graduate to help those most in need with an intentional focus on strategies to improve health equity.
Purposeful planning occurred to align the curriculum with Belmont’s Christ-centered, student-focused mission by ensuring student success in the classroom and after graduation. The curriculum is delivered in an integrated modular format using a blend of traditional didactic instruction and innovative active learning to engage all learners.
- A robust integrated pharmacotherapy sequence is designed to empower the student with knowledge and critical thinking skills to provide exceptional patient care.
- The student will develop leadership skills and learn strategies to advance pharmacy practice in order to lead the profession.
- P1s will start rotation experiences in their first semester.
- Frequent interprofessional experiences and integration of health care technology give the student the ability to work collaboratively with other health professions.
- Opportunities for mission work and exposure to research prepare the student for service to humanity.
- Our longitudinal pharmacy skills lab allows students to apply concepts learned in the classroom.
Why an Integrated Curriculum?
Evidence shows that students who learn therapeutic knowledge along with the science behind the intervention may be more able to apply their scientific knowledge in the clinical setting.1 It allows the graduate to connect science with clinical decision-making. This synthesis of information allows the student to apply that knowledge to scenarios that they may not have encountered in the classroom. Additionally, data show that this approach may increase both clinical and scientific knowledge.2 Finally, we were encouraged by feedback from our students and graduates that this approach may help increase retention of knowledge while reducing duplication of material resulting in a right-sized didactic experience.
This has resulted in the creation of a unique series of introductory courses, Integrated Pharmaceutical Sciences, where the foundational science of biochemistry, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, pharmaceutics, and pharmacogenomics will be taught together. This approach is designed to reduce duplication of topics, allow for application, and at the same time enhance student learning.
Finally, the choice was made to build a longitudinal skills lab where concepts taught in the classroom will be used to practice skills necessary for pharmacy practice. This lab will follow classroom learning and integrate various skills to help develop graduates with a comprehensive toolbox of abilities. In the lab, students will learn basic pharmacy skills alongside dosage form preparation (compounding), physical assessment with patient interview techniques, drug information combined with pharmacy informatics to help guide clinical decision making. The curriculum is designed for the modern pharmacy graduate that needs to integrate multiple skills with foundational and clinical knowledge to provide exceptional patient care.
Concentrations
We are in the process of developing the concentrations that will be available for students under the new Integrated Curriculum. We will update this section when the process and concentrations have been approved through the university curriculum process.
Learn and serve outside the classroom
As a Belmont PharmD student, your opportunities are endless.
You can work in Belmont's on-campus pharmacy, research in the lab, pursue internships and volunteer in the Nashville community. Because of Belmont's unique mission-minded, Christ-centered community, students are empowered to make the world around them a better place.
Dozens of students in the College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences live this out each year through mission trips across the country and throughout the world.
Student Organizations
At Belmont, learning doesn't stop in the classroom. Student organizations create more opportunities to engage and build meaningful experiences. There are many existing organizations Pharmacy students can join, or if you don't see what you're looking for, the process to start a new one is simple and streamlined.
The College of Pharmacy annually admits an ideal class of 70 to 75 students to the professional entry-level Doctorate (PharmD), to begin the program each Fall.
The College of Pharmacy receives applications for admission and most applicant credentials exclusively through the Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS), provided by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP).
Learn more about Admissions Requirements and Process
On average, 96% of admitted candidates receive a 4-year scholarship between $6,000 and $100,000.
Embark on a transformative journey with our pharmacy program as we present unique medical mission opportunities in countries across the globe, including Honduras, Guatemala, and many more to come. Alongside students, faculty, and providers across the interprofessional healthcare spectrum, mission trip participants make a meaningful impact on underserved populations by applying the skills and expertise acquired throughout our pharmacy curriculum. By participating in these missions, students not only contribute to the well-being of those in need but also emerge as compassionate and equipped individuals, ready to make the world a better place. This is an unparalleled chance to integrate knowledge into action, bridging the gap between education and service while embodying the principles that define our institution.
Outcomes & Alumni Success
Graduates from Belmont University School of Pharmacy have a wide range of job opportunities including traditional roles in retail and hospital settings. They can work in pharmaceutical industry roles such as drug development, regulatory affairs, or medical science liaison positions. Belmont School of Pharmacy graduates also pursue careers in academia, research, or public health, focusing on improving medication use and patient care. With the growing demand for healthcare professionals, opportunities in telepharmacy, clinical consulting, and long-term care are also expanding.
Committed to Your Success
Belmont’s pharmacy program is deeply committed to fostering the success of every student. We offer a supportive and dynamic learning environment, where students are equipped with both the academic knowledge and practical skills needed to thrive in the healthcare field. With a strong emphasis on personalized mentorship, hands-on experience, and collaborative learning, we ensure that each student is well-prepared for the challenges of the profession. From accessible faculty to tailored resources, we are dedicated to guiding our students every step of the way, helping them reach their full potential and become compassionate, skilled pharmacy professionals.
One of the key indicators of this success is its First Destination Rates—an important measure of how well graduates transition from academic life into their professional careers. Belmont’s pharmacy graduates consistently achieve high employment rates of 100% within six months of graduation, securing positions in a range of settings, including hospitals, community pharmacies, pharmaceutical companies, and other healthcare-related fields.
The program's robust curriculum, clinical experiences, and extensive networking opportunities contribute to these outstanding First Destination Rates. Additionally, the dedicated career services team at Belmont provides personalized support to students, helping them navigate job searches, internships, and residency placements, ensuring that each student is equipped to enter the workforce with confidence and competence. This combination of rigorous academic training and career-focused support sets Belmont’s pharmacy program apart as a launch pad for successful careers in pharmacy.
97% of College of Pharmacy & Health Science graduates are employed, pursuing continuing education, or enlisted in the military within 6 months of graduation and 97% of employed graduates are in positions that align with their short or long term career goals.
Learn more about Career & Professional Development at Belmont
Riguin Zengotita-Borges
Doctor of Pharmacy
“I serve in areas designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) and Medically Underserved Areas or Populations (MUAs/MUPs), addressing critical gaps in healthcare access. Approximately 75% of my time is dedicated to diabetes education, empowering patients to manage their condition effectively. Additionally, I provide chronic care management services, collaborating with patients to develop personalized care plans, conduct regular follow-ups, and coordinate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care. My role also involves consulting with healthcare providers on medication management, reviewing and adjusting treatment regimens to optimize patient outcomes. I handle prior authorization processes to facilitate timely access to necessary treatments and medications. Furthermore, I assist in connecting patients with Hepatitis C and HIV to appropriate care and treatment services, ensuring continuity and adherence. When needed, I support retail pharmacies, contributing to the seamless delivery of pharmaceutical services.”
Katie Vandenberg, Pharm.D.
"During my time at Belmont’s School of Pharmacy, one of my professors, Dr. Thompson-Odom, had a positive impact on my life. She believed in my abilities to pull through rough times, even when I didn’t. Her support helped me develop a sense of security in my abilities when I faced what seem like unsurmountable challenges."
Megan Joosse
Doctor of Pharmacy
“Megan Joosse is a stalwart within Belmont’s American Pharmacist’s Association-Academy of Student Pharmacists chapter and has championed numerous patient care and patient education events. She has led HPV vaccine information efforts, organized drug take-back events, and most notably has had great success increasing Belmont’s footprint with naloxone education and access. Through partnerships with music venues and Belmont’s music business department, Megan has helped grow our network of contacts and has opened many doors which will allow for Belmont students to make an impact in the community for years to come.”
Sara Thompson, PharmD, MEd, BCACP
“I currently serve as the Director of Pharmacy Education and Academic Affairs at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. In that role, I oversee education initiatives and guide expansion of programs across a spectrum of specialties. I lead alongside a team of education professionals, including leaders in experiential education, workforce development, and pharmacy technician education. Our mission is to “provide innovative and inclusive education opportunities to strengthen and empower learners on their journey toward growth and excellence.” Everything we do is anchored in the Mayo Clinic values, and especially the primary value, where the needs of the patient come first.”
Kaylee Heflin
“I am actively engaged in pharmacy advocacy and policy at the state level, working to empower student pharmacists in legislative advocacy. I recently secured a $1,500 Civic Engagement Microgrant to fund the Pharmacy Advocacy Initiative: Preparing Voices for Change, a series of events focused on independent pharmacy, policy challenges, and the legislative process. Through this initiative, I have organized educational discussions and provided resources to help students find their voice in advocacy. I have also represented student pharmacists at the Tennessee Pharmacists Association Winter Meeting and the National Association of Chain Drug Stores RxIMPACT Hill Day, advocating for the advancement of pharmacy practice and patient care.”
Shaneika Guice, Pharm.D.
“Belmont allowed me to be true to myself and helped me grow deeper in who I am in Christ. It’s important to me to show others that if you lean into God, He will make a way when it seems like there is no way-- I am a walking example of that. I always thought I wouldn’t be qualified to be in a role like the one I am today, but now I know that God qualifies me. I love how God has pre-written each of our stories so uniquely and unfolds His plans for us in such a beautiful way.”
Career Possibilities
Belmont's pharmacy graduates find great success in all aspects of pharmacy practice. And as health care becomes more and more reliant on interdisciplinary, team-based approaches, pharmacists are continually called on to provide more wellness and preventative care, chronic care maintenance, community health education and public health advocacy.
Graduates have gone on to successfully find career opportunities from local independent outlets, to retail chains, hospitals, long-term care facilitates, medical clinics, public health agencies and more. 89% of the Class of 2022 are currently employed in a position that meets their long or short term career goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Belmont University College of Pharmacy curriculum is designed to prepare graduates to provide exceptional patient care, be leaders in the profession of pharmacy, work collaboratively with other health professions, and serve humanity. Additionally, the curriculum will prepare the graduate to help those most in need with an intentional focus on strategies to improve health equity.
Purposeful planning occurred to align the curriculum with Belmont’s Christ-centered, student-focused mission by ensuring student success in the classroom and after graduation. The curriculum is delivered in an integrated modular format using a blend of traditional didactic instruction and innovative active learning to engage all learners. A robust integrated pharmacotherapy sequence is designed to empower the student with knowledge and critical thinking skills to provide exceptional patient care. The student will develop leadership skills and learn strategies to advance pharmacy practice in order to lead the profession. Frequent interprofessional experiences and integration of health care technology give the student the ability to work collaboratively with other health professions. Opportunities for mission work and exposure to research prepare the student for service to humanity. Finally, a longitudinal pharmacy skills lab allows students to apply concepts learned in the classroom.
What courses will be integrated?
- System-based modules: Pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, pathophysiology, self-care, medicinal chemistry, pharmacogenomics, special populations
- Skills: Applied skills that align with the modules, advanced skills from previous introduction courses, non-sterile compounding, compounding, patient assessment, counseling, drug information, informatics, technical writing
What does it mean to have an integrated curriculum?
An integrated curriculum involves the summation of different academic disciplines to form a cohesive unit, where the relationships between these disciplines is strategically interconnected. This includes providing both information on the scientific principles of pharmacology along with how these principles relate to clinical practice.
What does it mean that our curriculum will also aim to be competency-based?
Competency-based education allows learners to progress based on their ability to demonstrate that they have learned the expected knowledge and skills to progress within the curriculum. It allows for a more holistic approach to remediation, uses early intervention strategies, and balances depth and breadth in courses.
Yes, students have the opportunity to engage in meaningful research collaborations with faculty across a variety of exciting and impactful areas. Some of the research topics include:
- Assessing the impact of affirmative action on diversity in pharmacy education, where students can explore the effects of policy changes on representation and inclusion in academic programs.
- Evaluation of the stability of omeprazole oral suspension using forced degradation techniques, focusing on pharmaceutics research to ensure the efficacy and safety of medications.
- Syncing success: Does medication packaging and synchronization improve adherence and patient satisfaction?, an exciting opportunity to contribute to patient-centered research, addressing real-world issues in medication management.
- Improving methods of exosome isolation and purification for us in cancer research, allowing students to dive into cutting-edge molecular biology, especially with an emphasis on oncology.
Additional areas of focus include:
- Pharmaceutics and Proteomics, offering opportunities to explore drug formulation and protein analysis.
- Social, Community-based, and SOTL (Scholarship of Teaching and Learning) research, perfect for those interested in the broader impacts of pharmacy education and practice.
- Molecular biology with a special focus on oncology, and Pharmacogenomics, allowing students to investigate personalized medicine approaches and genetic factors influencing drug response.
These research projects provide hands-on experience, critical thinking, and the chance to collaborate with faculty in impactful areas, contributing to both academic and practical advancements in pharmacy and healthcare.
- A Maymester mission opportunity to support a locally-run pharmacy in El Zamorano, Honduras.
- An APPE rotation that explores interprofessional exploration of the public health care systems and wellness programs of the US and Italy.
- A spring break study abroad trip with the College of Business to look at the pharmaceutical industry, health technology, and start-ups in Barcelona, Spain and Lisbon, Portugal.
Below are opportunities for international study or externships:
- We have several faculty led mission trips that take place each summer. These trips have carried students to Honduras and Guatemala. In addition, we have a relationship with Hillside Clinic in Belize where students can spend a month participating in clinic activities with Belize practicioners.
Graduate and undergraduate students from Belmont will once again embark for Antigua, Guatemala for a week of providing inter-disciplinary care to the coffee workers in that region. Students will engage in various health screenings, observe living and working conditions for this vulnerable population, and provide health promotion education. Students will have the opportunity to work with a local physician and obtain medications from a local pharmacy. Disease states vary, but include diabetes, overuse injuries, various infections, and respiratory complaints.
Two 4th year pharmacy students will spend 1 week in Guatemala with an interdisciplinary team, then spend 3 weeks with Dr. Greene at Siloam Family Health Center, a primary care clinic serving patients without insurance options. Students will have the opportunity to continue to practice interdisciplinary interactions, patient education, and providing care for vulnerable populations locally after doing so internationally.
The rotation will include one week in the field in Honduras. The host mission organization is the Honduras Baptist Medical Dental Mission. This mission is supervised by a full-time missionary family from the United States with a Honduran staff. The primary activity of the week in Honduras is participation in a medical brigade. The team will travel by bus to a location to be determined, where a medical clinic, pharmacy, and dental office are set up impromptu in a school or similar facility. Pharmacy students will assist in the setup and operation of the temporary medical clinic and pharmacy in the facility. Disease states seen vary by region, but almost always include various types of infectious disease and parasites. Upon return to the United States, students will round out their APPE by spending a select number of days on site with the preceptor and completion of a local mission project.
Below are the types of clinical experiences available:
- We are proud to partner with Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where students participate in many different types of clinical experiences. As a world renown hospital, our students are excited to be able to work with pharmacy professionals in the areas of pediatrics, oncology, transplant, and critical care, to name a few.
- Each year, we have students accepted to participate in national APPE experiences at locations such as the FDA, CDC, and Proctor and Gamble. These experiences are very competitive, and we are honored to have Belmont students selected for these experiences.
- Our students also have the opportunity to work with the underserved population through clinical experiences with faculty members at Siloam Health, Neighborhood Health, and St. Thomas The Holy Family Clinic. These experiences give our students the knowledge on how to care for vulnerable populations that can translate to any area that they practice.
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- ~80% of students interested in post-graduate training match with a program
- Post-graduate training co-sponsored by Belmont
- FDA
- HealthTrust Two-Year Fellowship
- Teaching Certificate Program for Residents
Professional Organizations
- Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP)
- Christian Pharmacists Fellowship International (CPFI)
- College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists (CPNP)
- American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP)
- American Pharmacists Association – Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP)
- Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA)
- Student Society of Health-System Pharmacy (SSHP)
- Tennessee Society of Student Pharmacists (TSSP)
- Bruins4Peds Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group
Pharmaceutical Fraternities
- Kappa Psi
- Phi Delta Chi
Honor and Leadership Societies
- Phi Lambda Sigma
- Rho Chi
Belmont University is committed to fostering an environment of hope, unity and belonging. Recognizing that an inclusive campus community enriches the educational experience for all, Belmont welcomes individuals from various backgrounds, perspectives, and identities. The School of Pharmacy prides itself on being the most diverse health professions programs on campus! Our student body is approximately 35% male and 65% female. Sixteen percent of our program identifies as Black/African American, 10% are Hispanic/Latino, another 10% are Asian, 7% are two+ races, 2% are international, and 56% identify as White. We welcome students of differing faith backgrounds, with more than 10% of students observing religions other than Christianity.
Contact Us
College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences
Linda Arce
Senior Admissions Coordinator
615.460.5193
Email Linda
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